IMPERIAL COUNTY, California — November 5, 2026. Preliminary November 3 election results across the Imperial Valley are not the final word. The Imperial County Registrar of Voters reports that approximately 17,000 ballots remain to be processed and counted, and that about 225 challenged ballots require further attention. The figures were issued in the county’s November 4 canvass update.

What makes up the 17,000-ballot workload?

The registrar says the total includes vote-by-mail ballots received on Election Day, provisional ballots and conditional-voter-registration ballots. This is an estimated count of ballots still to be processed, not a vote total for any one candidate or city. The exact geographic and contest distribution of those outstanding ballots was not provided in the announcement.

Why 225 challenged ballots deserve separate explanation

The county identifies approximately 225 challenged ballots in addition to its estimated 17,000 unprocessed ballots. A ballot can be challenged because the return envelope was unsigned or its signature did not match the signature on file. This is not evidence by itself that the voter acted unlawfully, and the registrar says voters may have the opportunity to correct or ‘cure’ such issues. Voters can find official correction forms and guidance through the county Elections Office.

Countywide races versus individual cities

Imperial County’s latest reported election-night contests include elected supervisors, municipal City Councils and utility-district boards. California58 has already published separate reports on the county supervisor election and public-safety Measure S and on the Calexico City Council. Some early county contests have been separated by fewer than a few hundred votes, but the outstanding-ballot estimate must not be allocated to those races without official local information.

What this means for Calexico, El Centro and Brawley

Residents of Calexico and El Centro are waiting for the county to count ballots cast in their respective district and municipal races. In the county’s rural communities, even a board with a relatively small electorate can make decisions on drinking water, roads, land use or local public services. Different voters receive different ballots based on their residence; a county-level turnout number cannot be copied into a school or utility district as if it describes the same voters.

When updates are planned

The elections office states that it will continue posting additional election results at 5 p.m. each weeknight during the canvass period. Residents should use the official Imperial County Elections website for newly posted reports. California58’s previous election-night figures should be read as snapshots taken before those later reports.

Deadline for a complete result

County canvassing includes reviewing eligible mail ballots, provisional ballots, signature issues and election records. California’s calendar requires the county certification process to conclude by December 3, with the state certification scheduled for December 11. Election-night leaders should not be called certified winners.

Sources: Imperial County’s November 4 registrar announcement; Imperial County official results; California Secretary of State. Verified November 5.

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  1. Pingback: Imperial County Supervisors: Lizarraga’s Lead Grows to 174 Votes; Measure S at 56.61% Yes – California58